Hong Kong-style milk tea, a beloved beverage renowned for its rich, creamy flavour and distinct aroma, has gained global popularity. Many restaurants and cafes in Hong Kong proudly feature this iconic drink on their menus. If you're looking to add this tantalising treat to your own menu, investing in a milk tea brewer can streamline the brewing process. However, it’s equally important to get familiar with the machine to ensure you consistently deliver high-quality milk tea offerings. 

In this article, you’ll learn what a milk tea brewer is, the essential elements of the brewing process, and how to use the milk tea brewer to create the highest-quality and delicious Hong Kong-style milk tea.

What is a Milk Tea Brewer?

A milk tea brewer is a specialised machine designed to brew large batches of tea efficiently. Unlike traditional methods, which involve manual steeping and straining, milk tea brewers automate the process, saving time and effort. These machines often feature advanced technology that allows for precise temperature control and brewing time, resulting in a big batch of tea every time.

What are the Essential Ingredients for Hong Kong-Style Milk Tea Brewing Process?

Before you initiate the brewing process, you must prepare the following ingredients to create a delicious batch of Hong Kong-style milk tea: 

What Type of Tea Blend Should be Used for Hong Kong-Style Milk Tea?

To create a balanced and flavourful Hong Kong-style milk tea, you should combine different types of Ceylon black tea leaves to create an ideal blend. A common combination includes Broken Orange Pekoe for its aromatic qualities, Broken Orange Pekoe Fannings for balancing the sensory characteristics, and Dust for its vibrant colour and rich flavour.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using a K-Pot Milk Tea Brewer to Brew Hong Kong-Style Milk Tea

To ensure a rich and authentic taste, the following three steps are advised for brewing the highest-quality Hong Kong-style milk tea by using a K-Pot milk tea brewer.

1. Heating Up the Water

Fill the K-Pot brewer with fresh, clean water up to the designated level. Once filled, select the ‘milk tea’ option on the display screen and allow the K-Pot to heat the water for approximately 5 minutes. An audible signal will indicate when the K-Pot is ready for brewing.

2. Brewing the Tea

Once the brewer is ready, pour the tea powder into a cloth strainer and carefully place it into the designated compartment. Press ‘confirm’ on the display screen to start brewing the tea for 15-20 minutes. The K-Pot will perform a unique technique known as ‘pulling’ to enhance its flavour and smoothness. This involves transferring the brewed tea back and forth between containers several times, typically four times. By pulling the tea, you're essentially refining its taste and texture, creating a more enjoyable beverage.

3. Resting the Tea

Once the brewing process is completed, the K-Pot will emit a sound and enter the 'keep warm' stage. Allow the tea to steep for approximately 20 minutes to enhance its flavour. Now, your tea is perfectly brewed and ready for preparing your milk tea or lemon tea.

Streamlining Hong Kong-Style Milk Tea Brewing with BUNN and K-Pot Milk Tea Brewers

Traditional methods of brewing Hong Kong-style milk tea often involve manual steeping, straining, and temperature control. This can be time-consuming and labour-intensive, especially for businesses that serve large quantities of this popular beverage. Fortunately, specialised milk tea brewers like the BUNN Milk Tea Brewer and the K-POT Tea Brewer offer efficient and reliable solutions with different technological approaches to streamline the brewing process.

Both the BUNN and K-POT milk tea brewers offer advanced features such as brewing setting to ensure hassle-free, efficient and consistent brewing. However, these two machines come with two distinct approaches. The Bunn is capable of fully automating the entire brewing process. Its ease of use makes it a useful tool for F&B chain stores. While it offers a set brewing flow, it does not feature the repeat “pulling” function. In contrast, the K-POT, aimed at Cha Chaan Tengs, closely mimics traditional tea master hand movements for the “pulling” process. It allows for repeated “pulling” and uses a filter bag, similar to a tea master's manual approach. However, the K-POT’s filter bag requires daily manual cleaning, while the BUNN uses a disposable filter, eliminating the need for extensive cleaning.

Discover the ideal BUNN or K-POT milk tea brewer for your business in Hong Kong. With the right equipment and a passion for crafting delicious beverages, you can create unforgettable Hong Kong-style milk tea experiences for your customers.